Dayton man sentenced in Travelodge robbery

VANDALIA — A Dayton man will spend two years in prison in connection with a robbery at the Travelodge on Poe Avenue in January.

Divonti L. Preston, 25, was convicted on one count of robbery with the use of force. He will serve three years on post-release control after he is released from prison.

According to police, the man demanded money from the hotel’s desk clerk after asking for towels and forcing his way into the door that led to the front counter area. He threatened to shoot her if she didn’t comply.

After she gave him cash, he ran out the main entry doors and fled on foot while stripping to his underwear in an apparent bid to throw off any K-9 units that might respond.

Vandalia, Dayton, and Butler Township police began a search which included a Dayton K-9 unit. The K-9 track led around the Travelodge and the Knights Inn continuously which led officers to believe the suspect was still on property.

Preston then emerged from behind a dumpster where he was forced to the ground and taken into custody. After his arrest, the victim identified Preston as the man who robbed the hotel. Police also found a large amount of money in the front of his underwear.

Preston claimed that he believed he was sexually assaulted at the hotel but couldn’t remember details. After being taken to police headquarters he was uncooperative as a victim and refused to participate in a sexual assault examination.